India PC Boom

India’s PC Market: A Post-Pandemic Boom with First-Time Users Upgrading and Expanding the Country’s Digital Landscape

As the world navigates the post-pandemic era, India’s PC market has witnessed a significant surge, surpassing the peak demand seen during the COVID-19 lockdowns. According to recent data from IDC, shipments of desktops, notebooks, and workstations in India rose by 10.2% year-over-year to 15.9 million units in 2025, marking the first time annual shipments have crossed the 15-million-unit milestone. This growth can be attributed to the increasing number of first-time buyers who purchased laptops during lockdowns and are now upgrading their devices, thereby expanding the country’s PC user base.

Unlocking New Opportunities: The Rise of First-Time Users

Meanwhile, the pandemic-driven lockdowns exposed many people in India to PCs for the first time, creating a new wave of demand for upgrades as these devices age. Furthermore, growing digitization, rising PC adoption among startups and small businesses, and wider availability of devices in smaller cities have also supported demand. As a result, India’s share of global PC shipments rose to 5.6% in 2025 from 3.3% in 2020, according to IDC data. Consequently, the South Asian nation remains one of the fastest-growing PC markets, with demand expanding beyond major cities.

Market Dynamics: Commercial and Consumer Segments

Notably, commercial buyers accounted for 52.9% of PC shipments in India in 2025, while the consumer segment made up the remaining 47.1%. In addition, enterprise purchases were partly driven by a Windows refresh cycle last year, while many small and medium-sized businesses and some public sector organizations are now beginning to replace older devices. Moreover, top PC vendors in India, including HP, Lenovo, Dell, Acer, and Asus, have been benefiting from this trend. However, Apple’s Mac computers hold a smaller share of India’s personal computer market than in the U.S., with MacBooks accounting for about 5.6% of India’s notebook market in 2025.

Apple’s Presence in India: Challenges and Opportunities

Interestingly, MacBooks’ share of India’s notebook market peaked at 7.4% in 2022, up from 3.9% in 2020, according to IDC data. Nevertheless, about 85% to 87% of Mac shipments in India come from the consumer segment, reflecting Apple’s limited presence in enterprise purchases. Meanwhile, the premium notebook segment — devices priced above $1,000 — grew 8.2% year-over-year in 2025, indicating steady demand for higher-end devices. Consequently, demand for Macs in India could see an uptick as Apple introduces its lower-priced MacBook Neo, while Windows notebooks are becoming more expensive.

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of PC Demand

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence features are beginning to appear in premium laptops, though they are not yet a major driver of PC demand in India. Nevertheless, many enterprises that previously bought premium devices are now looking for more advanced features, including AI-powered capabilities. As a result, PC vendors are investing in AI-driven innovations to stay ahead of the competition and meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of AI in various industries is expected to drive PC demand in the long term, particularly in the commercial segment.

Key Drivers of PC Demand in India

In conclusion, the key drivers of PC demand in India include the growing number of first-time users, increasing adoption of PCs among startups and small businesses, and wider availability of devices in smaller cities. Additionally, the Windows refresh cycle, replacement of older devices, and growing demand for premium and AI-powered devices are also contributing to the growth of the PC market in India. Therefore, PC vendors must focus on innovation, affordability, and accessibility to tap into the vast potential of the Indian market.

Global PC Shipments: A Broader Perspective

From a global perspective, PC shipments grew 8.1% to 284.7 million units in 2025, according to IDC’s earlier report. Meanwhile, the global PC market is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing demand from emerging markets, including India. Furthermore, the rise of remote work and online learning has created new opportunities for PC vendors, particularly in the commercial segment. Consequently, PC vendors must adapt to the changing market dynamics and consumer preferences to remain competitive in the global market.

India’s PC Market: A Growth Story

In summary, India’s PC market has witnessed a significant surge, driven by the growing number of first-time users, increasing adoption of PCs among startups and small businesses, and wider availability of devices in smaller cities. Meanwhile, the commercial segment has been driving growth, with enterprise purchases partly driven by a Windows refresh cycle and replacement of older devices. As the Indian economy continues to grow, the PC market is expected to expand further, driven by increasing demand for premium and AI-powered devices.

Key Takeaways

• India’s PC market witnessed a 10.2% year-over-year growth in 2025, with shipments rising to 15.9 million units.
• The growth is driven by first-time users upgrading their devices, increasing adoption of PCs among startups and small businesses, and wider availability of devices in smaller cities.
• Commercial buyers accounted for 52.9% of PC shipments in India in 2025, while the consumer segment made up the remaining 47.1%.
• Top PC vendors in India include HP, Lenovo, Dell, Acer, and Asus, while Apple’s Mac computers hold a smaller share of the market.
• Artificial intelligence features are beginning to appear in premium laptops, though they are not yet a major driver of PC demand in India.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, India’s PC market is poised for continued growth, driven by increasing demand from first-time users, startups, and small businesses. Meanwhile, the commercial segment is expected to drive growth, with enterprise purchases partly driven by a Windows refresh cycle and replacement of older devices. As the Indian economy continues to grow, PC vendors must focus on innovation, affordability, and accessibility to tap into the vast potential of the Indian market. Therefore, we encourage PC vendors to explore new opportunities in India and invest in AI-driven innovations to stay ahead of the competition. Stay tuned for more updates on the Indian PC market and its growth prospects.